MEXICO CITY — Mexican security forces killed Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes, the elusive leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), in a military operation in Jalisco on Sunday, in what officials described as one of the country’s most significant cartel takedowns in years. The raid triggered retaliatory violence across multiple states, with burning roadblocks, shootouts and widespread disruptions reported hours after news of his death emerged.
Oseguera, who led one of Mexico’s most powerful criminal organizations and was wanted by both Mexican and U.S. authorities, died after being wounded during a firefight and later succumbing to injuries while being airlifted, according to Mexican officials cited by Reuters. The U.S. had offered a multimillion-dollar reward for information leading to his arrest. Mexican authorities said intelligence tied to a visit by a romantic partner helped narrow down Oseguera’s location near Tapalpa, in Jalisco state. Defense Secretary Ricardo Trevilla Trejo said forces moved quickly after determining the cartel leader remained at the hideout. President Claudia Sheinbaum said the United States shared intelligence that supported the operation, while stressing that no U.S. ground troops participated.
Reuters and other outlets reported that the operation set off an immediate backlash by suspected CJNG gunmen, who torched vehicles, blocked highways and attacked targets in several states. Flights were disrupted in parts of western Mexico, and U.S. officials urged American citizens in affected areas to shelter in place as authorities sought to regain control. In a grim escalation, Mexican officials said 25 members of the National Guard military police were killed in retaliatory violence after the raid, underscoring the cartel’s ability to respond with coordinated force even after losing its top leader. Reuters reported that the violence also left numerous suspected cartel members dead in clashes with security forces.
The killing comes at a sensitive political moment for Mexico, as Sheinbaum faces pressure from Washington to intensify efforts against fentanyl and methamphetamine trafficking networks. CJNG has been one of the principal groups accused by U.S. authorities of moving synthetic drugs into the United States. Analysts say the immediate question is whether Oseguera’s death weakens CJNG or sparks a violent succession struggle. For now, Mexican authorities are focused on containing reprisals and restoring calm in regions hit by the cartel’s response.
